Littleton Veterinary Clinic

08/18/2025

Temps are on the rise and LVC wants to remind owners to keep their pets off of hot asphalt this summer

08/13/2025

Check out these important tips from ASPCA to protect your pets this Summer.
https://ow.ly/TuhP50WCcOy

07/31/2025

07/21/2025

07/08/2025

Fleas and ticks are two of the most frequent pet care concerns in America. While prevention is the best defense against these parasites, it’s important to be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of fleas and ticks so you can help your pets if necessary.

Symptoms of Fleas on Dogs

Fleas are most commonly noticed on a dog’s abdomen, the base of the tail and the head.
Common symptoms of fleas on dogs include:

Droppings or “flea dirt” in a dog’s coat (small dark "grains of sand")
Flea eggs (tiny, white grains)
Allergic dermatitis
Excessive scratching, licking or biting at skin
Hair loss
Scabs and hot spots
Pale gums
Tapeworms

Symptom of Fleas on Cats

If you see your cat scratching often and persistently, invest in a fine tooth comb and run it through her fur, paying special attention to the neck and the base of the tail. If you see small, fast-moving brown shapes about the size of a pinhead in her fur, your cat has fleas. Other symptoms:

Droppings of “flea dirt” in a cat’s fur (small dark "grains of sand")
Flea eggs (tiny, white grains)
Itchy, irritated skin
Persistent scratching
Chewing and licking
Hair loss
Tapeworms
Pale lips and gums

Causes of Fleas

Fleas are easily brought in from the outdoors.
Fleas thrive in warm, humid climates at temperatures of 65 to 80 degrees.
Adult fleas spend most of their lives on the animal, laying eggs in the fur.
These eggs drop out onto rugs, upholstery, bedding and furniture; the new adult fleas will, in turn, find their living host (either human or animal).

Flea Complications

Fleas can consume 15 times their own body weight in blood, which can cause anemia or a significant amount of blood loss over time.
This is especially problematic in young puppies or kittens, where an inadequate number of red blood cells can be life-threatening.
Some pets have heightened sensitive to the saliva of fleas, which can cause an allergic reaction known as flea allergy dermatitis.

Flea Treatment

Consult your veterinarian if you suspect your pet has fleas. It is important that all of your pets are treated for fleas, including indoor and outdoor cats, and that the environment is treated as well. Once your veterinarian confirms the diagnosis, a treatment plan may include the following:

Topical or oral treatment or the use of shampoos, sprays and powders on the pet.
Thorough cleaning of your house, including rugs, bedding and upholstery. Severe cases may require using a spray or a fogger, which requires temporary evacuation of the home.
It is very important not to use products on your cat that are intended for dogs.
Lawn treatments may also be needed if your pet keeps getting re-infected every time it goes outside.

Flea Prevention

Use a flea comb on your pet and wash his bedding once a week.
Keep the outside of your house free of organic debris, such as rake clippings and leaves, and remember that fleas like to hide in dark, moist, shady areas.
There are many preventative flea control products available, both as prescription and over-the-counter formulas.

07/06/2025

Exciting news! Littleton Vet Clinic will be open most Saturdays starting Saturday July 19th with appointments beginning at 9am. Give us a call to get scheduled! ☎️ (303) 798-3447

07/04/2025

Happy Fourth of July from LVC!

06/16/2025

Happy Father’s Day from LVC!

05/26/2025

Happy Memorial Day from LVC 🇺🇸 We are closed today for the holiday and will be open tomorrow with regular business hours 🇺🇸

05/12/2025

LVC wishes all mothers a very happy Mother’s Day! 🌸💐

05/10/2025

🌸 **Mother’s Day is almost here!** 🌸

As you celebrate the incredible moms in your life with thoughtful gifts, don’t forget about your furry family members! Some popular Mother’s Day treats—like floral bouquets or edible arrangements—can pose hidden dangers to pets.
Flowers like lilies, azaleas, and certain flower bulbs, as well as chocolate-covered fruits or grapes, can be toxic to cats and dogs.
Before you pick the perfect bouquet, check out our list of pet-safe flowersto help you give a gift that’s beautiful and safe for everyone in the household. 💐🐾